The Dutch dominant perspective on water; risks and opportunities involved

A. Offermans, P. Valkering, H.S.I. Vreugdenhil, F.E.H. Wijermans, M. Haasnoot

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

To implement or continue water management strategies social support is needed. Social support highly depends on people’s
perspectives on water. However, these perspectives are not static and may change over time leading to changes in social support
for strategies. Therefore, sustainable water management strategies should be robust. Robust strategies are able to cope with changing
social and environmental developments. Lacking robustness runs the risk of losing social support, which may force policymakers into
sudden or expensive measures. We use the Perspectives Method to analyze the present Dutch policy perspective and the dominant
perspective on water among Dutch water professionals, by respectively studying the Dutch Delta report and questionnaire outputs
and distinguishing between Hierarchical, Egalitarian, Individualistic and Fatalistic perspectives. A comparison between the policy
and professional perspective shows similarities and differences. Topics regarding drought, water supply, and waters’ relation to spatial
planning need serious reconsideration to guarantee enough present and future social support to implement the measures suggested
in the policy report.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1164-1177
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering
Volume48
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Perspectives on water
  • social robustness
  • sustainable water management
  • perspective change
  • social support

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